Sunday, February 28, 2010

A few months ago I was "hanging with the mentees",Lee-Anne and Mishqa, two lovely young ladies from the School of Hope, Cape Town, South Africa. They were my charge for the day and were part of a group of mentees sponsored to visit New York City. I took them to see the work world of my co-workers. Today, I have listened to Lee-Anne talk about her experience growing up in South Africa, she remained in NYC for a while longer speaking to others and spreading the word about the wonderful job the ACT organization does and the many ways she has benefited from this ACT of kindness. At this luncheon, planned to drum up support, we listened to Lee-Anne's words of praise, laced with gratitude for this vital organization that has given her a fresh perspective on life. She has entered through new doors and is now ready to take the plunge to a new journey.

Much praise was given to the ACT team and to the extraordinary human Erika, who has just returned from a month's long visit to the School of Hope, Cape Town; where she began the challenging job of putting together yet another group of mentees. She is on a mission to bring change to the lives of these youngsters. Her fearlessness and calm demeanor are admirable. Her connection with the youth of Cape Town, South Africa,priceless.

I came away knowing that there is so much more to be done. I know for sure if we band together the possibilities are endless albeit the challenges. So long Lee-Anne,you are returning home a changed person, keep going, I will be checking on you. BAIE DANKIE for your confidence and pluck! Thanks for the gathering, it was nice to see the folks from whom HOPE springs. The food was delicious too.I invite you readers to be part of this ACTion. To find out more, visit the website:www.activecompassiontransforms.org

Friday, February 5, 2010

I picked up the'phone and carefully checked my list, careful not to leave out anyone of my dear friends from Beloved Haiti. I am concerned and wanted to know what fate had brought them. Some fared better than others, a sigh of relief when the news was good. I allowed the tears to roll shamelessly, staining my face as I watched the gruesome images flashed across the television screen. Sometimes I grimaced at the sight of blood or the limp bodies strewn among rubbles.BEAUTIFUL HAITI, RAVISHED, BROKEN, DESTROYED

I felt like the Town Crier, even though there could not be a soul alive who had not heard of this disaster. But I felt the urge to check on my neighbors, expressing solidarity, telling them to forge on because better days are coming.BEAUTIFUL HAITI WE LOOK TO A BRIGHT FUTURE

I really want to believe that the future holds great things for the country I only know and love through association. Made an honorary citizen by my closest and dearest friends, I have listened to stories upon stories; learned of the beautiful mountains, swayed and rocked to Tabou Combo, Sweet Mikey, New Look and other outstanding musical groups. Sometimes I crave for jhon jhon,legumes, bouillon and so many more delicious dishes. Artwork grace my walls, made by the skillful hands of a Haitian Citizen who may no longer exist. I had become acclimatized to the Haitian way of life, so much so, that the names of towns roll off my tongue. The familiarity of things Haiti, had rubbed off on me. BEAUTIFUL HAITI, this pain and anguish will go away. We will band together to build back what mother nature has destroyed.

So when I say SAK PASE HAITI? {How are you?} I hear fearless and strong responses:NOUS SOMMES BIEN, MERCI {We are fine, thank you} Right now we are BROKEN, but slowly and surely we will MEND. That's the spirit! Better Days will come! Haiti will get a second life! We will never lose HOPE!